George + Norma Strait — Country’s Greatest Love Stories

In his personal life and in his music, George Strait is a man who knows a thing or two about consistency and commitment. Not only has the Texas native amassed an incredible 60 No. 1 hits, he's also enjoyed one of the music industry's longest and most successful marriages.

Strait married his high school sweetheart, Norma, in 1971. Initially, the lovebirds eloped to Mexico, but a few weeks later, they repeated their vows in a Texas church.

"Norma was the first girl I ever loved. We knew each other forever, growing up in a small town," the singer says. "I never really even thought anything about her, but then one day, I asked her out, and we went on a date. We didn't see each other for a long time after that. Then one day, I thought, 'I'm missing the boat here,' and we started dating again."

Nearly 50 years have passed since the couple said "I do," and they've covered a lot of ground, including the births of two children, the tragedy of losing their daughter Jennifer, lots of No. 1 records, Strait's induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame and their very first grandchild, George Harvey Strait III.

The 'I Cross My Heart' singer explains their relationship's longevity: "We love each other, and we still like each other. We're so blessed that we were able to experience this life together, to support each other through everything, good times and bad."

This story was originally written by Deborah Evans-Price, and revised by Christina Vinson.